Crime and Disorder Act 1998

9Parenting orders: supplemental

(1)Where a person under the age of 16 is convicted of an offence, the court by or before which he is so convicted—

(a)if it is satisfied that the relevant condition is fulfilled, shall make a parenting order; and

(b)if it is not so satisfied, shall state in open court that it is not and why it is not.

(2)Before making a parenting order—

(a)in a case falling within paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 8 above;

(b)in a case falling within paragraph (b) or (c) of that subsection, where the person concerned is under the age of 16; or

(c)in a case falling within paragraph (d) of that subsection, where the person to whom the offence related is under that age,

a court shall obtain and consider information about the person’s family circumstances and the likely effect of the order on those circumstances.

(3)Before making a parenting order, a court shall explain to the parent in ordinary language—

(a)the effect of the order and of the requirements proposed to be included in it;

(b)the consequences which may follow (under subsection (7) below) if he fails to comply with any of those requirements; and

(c)that the court has power (under subsection (5) below) to review the order on the application either of the parent or of the responsible officer.

(4)Requirements specified in, and directions given under, a parenting order shall, as far as practicable, be such as to avoid—

(a)any conflict with the parent’s religious beliefs; and

(b)any interference with the times, if any, at which he normally works or attends an educational establishment.

(5)If while a parenting order is in force it appears to the court which made it, on the application of the responsible officer or the parent, that it is appropriate to make an order under this subsection, the court may make an order discharging the parenting order or varying it—

(a)by cancelling any provision included in it; or

(b)by inserting in it (either in addition to or in substitution for any of its provisions) any provision that could have been included in the order if the court had then had power to make it and were exercising the power.

(6)Where an application under subsection (5) above for the discharge of a parenting order is dismissed, no further application for its discharge shall be made under that subsection by any person except with the consent of the court which made the order.

(7)If while a parenting order is in force the parent without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement included in the order, or specified in directions given by the responsible officer, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.